Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus includes an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image of a subject; a signal processing unit that writes the in-vivo image in a memory, reads the in-vivo image from the memory on a pixel basis and converts the in-vivo image to serial information to transfer the serial information; and a rate converter that converts a transfer processing rate to a rate higher than a writing processing rate. The transfer processing rate is at which the signal processing unit reads the in-vivo image from the memory and converts the in-vivo image to the serial information to transfer the serial information. The writing processing rate is at which the signal processing unit writes the in-vivo image in the memory. The apparatus also includes a transmitting unit that wirelessly transmits the serial information transferred from the signal processing unit at a transmission rate corresponding to the transfer processing rate.

Abstract: The periphery of a fluorescent body is reliably sealed, and entry of moisture or volatilized gas is prevented. An illumination optical unit includes an optical fiber, a fluorescent body, a ferrule as a holding member holding the fluorescent body and the optical fiber, a tubular sleeve member that covers the outer periphery of the fluorescent body, and a protective cover. The ferrule holds the fluorescent body and is fitted into a fitting hole of the sleeve member. An inner peripheral face of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the protective cover are bonded together to seal the distal end side of the fluorescent body, and the fitting hole of the sleeve member and an outer peripheral face of the ferrule are bonded together to bond the proximal end side of the fluorescent body.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a capsule endoscope and a receiver. The capsule endoscope has plural image pickup units for endoscopic imaging by passing a gastrointestinal tract in a body. The receiver for wireless communication with the capsule endoscope receives and stores image data from the capsule endoscope. The receiver includes a data analyzer for retrieving position relationship data expressing a position relationship of the image pickup units to a target region in the gastrointestinal tract. A CPU of the receiver produces a command signal according to the position relationship data for determining a number of frames of imaging per unit time for respectively the plural image pickup units. The capsule endoscope includes a CPU for controlling operation of the plural image pickup units according to the command signal from the receiver.

Abstract: Various embodiments for providing solid state illumination in conjunction with wavelength multiplexing imaging schemes for mono and stereo endoscopy or borescopy are provided. In one embodiment, the current disclosure provides a device configured for insertion into a body cavity. The device can include a tubular portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the tubular portion can be configured to be at least partially inserted into the body cavity. The device can also include a solid state electro-optic element located on the tubular portion. Furthermore, the device can include a power source electrically coupled to the solid state electro-optic element.

Abstract: A light source device includes a first semiconductor light source, a second semiconductor light source, and a wavelength converter. The first semiconductor light source emits light in a first wavelength range. The second semiconductor light source emits light in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The wavelength converter absorbs the light in the first wavelength range to emit light in a third wavelength range different from either of the first wavelength range and the second wavelength range, and transmits the light in the second wavelength range substantially entirely.

Abstract: The endoscope system includes an endoscope, a control unit, a beam source control unit and a type check unit. The endoscope has a radiation optical system for radiating a beam from a beam source onto a subject and an imaging optical system including an imaging device. The endoscope is removably connected to the control unit. The beam source control unit controls the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input from the control unit. The type check unit checks a type of the imaging device mounted on the endoscope. The beam source control unit has a plurality of control patterns representing a relationship between the beam quantity specified value and a control output value, switches to any one of the control patterns according to the check results, and controls the emission beam intensity according to the switched control pattern.

Abstract: An endoscope system includes an endoscope and a control device. The endoscope includes an illumination optical system with a fluorescent body formed in an optical path and an imaging optical system with an imaging element outputting an imaging signal of an optical image. The control device includes a light source unit which supplies an excitation light to the illumination optical system so as to emit light from the fluorescent body and an image processing section which corrects the imaging signal output from the imaging element. The image processing section includes: an illumination light spectrum calculating unit, a chromaticity correction table creating unit and an image correcting unit.

Abstract: An endoscope of the present invention includes an insertion section including a distal end portion, an objective lens placed in the distal end portion, an illumination lens which is placed in the distal end portion adjacently to the objective lens and emits illumination light from a light source, and a wall portion which is placed between the objective lens and the illumination lens, and shields the illumination light, and thereby, secures a sufficient illumination range for an image pickup range with a wide field of view, can obtain a favorable endoscope image and can reduce the diameter.

Abstract: The endoscope beam source apparatus includes a beam source for emitting a radiation beam to be supplied to the endoscope, and a beam source control unit for controlling the emission beam intensity of the beam source according to a beam quantity specified value input therein. The beam source control unit specifies the emission beam intensity corresponding to the beam quantity specified value based on at least three of control amounts. The control amounts include a control amount corresponding to pulse number modulation (PNM) control for changing lighting time of the beam source, a control amount corresponding to pulse width modulation (PWM) control for changing a plus width which indicates the lighting or lighting-out time within a control cycle, a control amount corresponding to pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) control for changing the lighting intensity, and a control amount corresponding to pulse density modulation (PDM) control for changing a lighting interval.

Abstract: First to third lights are applied to a body cavity from a light source. The first and second lights have different wavelength ranges. Each of the first and second lights varies in absorbance in accordance with oxygen saturation of hemoglobin. The third light is a reference light used for comparison with the first and second lights. A monitoring section monitors a first light quantity ratio between the first and third lights and a second light quantity ratio between the second and third lights. A controller controls the light source such that first and second light quantity ratios reach their respective standard values. First to third data are obtained from images captured with illumination of the three lights, respectively. Vessel depth information and oxygen saturation information are obtained simultaneously from a first brightness ratio between the first and third data and a second brightness ratio between the second and third data.

Abstract: An in-vivo imaging device and method for performing spectral analysis include inserting the in-vivo device into a patient's lumen, illuminating the tissue lumen and collecting the light scattered and reflected from the tissue. The device may comprise at least six illumination sources for illuminating the tissue. At least two of the six illumination sources illuminate at a different wavelength in the blue spectral region, at least two illuminate at a different wavelength in the green spectral region, and at least two illuminate at a different wavelength in the red spectral region. The illumination sources are adapted to illuminate in groups of three, wherein each group of three illumination sources comprises one illumination source that illuminates in the blue spectral region, one in the green spectral region, and one in the red spectral region. Each group of three illumination sources illuminates simultaneously.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a multi-color output of an image of a medical object for assisting medical personnel, the medical object is illuminated with light with an illumination spectrum. By means of an image sensor, image data are acquired for a group of one or more color channels. Image information concerning an additional color channel, which is not among the group of one or more color channels, is generated depending on the acquired image data. An image output device for multi-color output of the image is controlled depending on the acquired image data and the acquired image information.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter is generally directed to an illumination system for staged illumination in an endoscopic procedure. The inventive system generally includes an illumination apparatus supporting a light source that is configured for removable assembly with an endoscope. The assembly is configured for insertion into a natural or artificial passageway in a body. The illumination apparatus has one or more light sources providing a first, relatively high level of illumination suitable for imaging a first, relatively large target area, either alone or in combination with a light source for the endoscope, and after removal of the illumination apparatus from the assembly, the endoscope provides a second relatively lower level of illumination suitable for imaging a relatively small target area.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in an endoscope includes a light source, an optical fiber and a wavelength conversion member. The optical fiber guides light to a tip end of an endoscope insertion portion of the endoscope. The wavelength conversion member is provided at an emission end of the optical fiber. The wavelength conversion member configured to be excited by the light source. The illumination device can provide white illumination light obtained by mixing light emitted from the optical fiber and light obtained by exciting the wavelength conversion member by the light emitted from the optical fiber. Also, the illumination device can provide illumination light being different from the white illumination light, by using other excitation light.

Abstract: Methods and devices for illuminating a body cavity or an internal region of a body are disclosed. In one aspect, a percutaneous illumination device for illuminating a body cavity includes an elongate member with an illumination source, and two support members disposed on the elongate member that are adapted to be positioned on opposite sides of a tissue surface for stabilizing the device. Variations on such an illumination device, kits that include such devices, and methods of utilizing such devices are all described within the present application.

Abstract: An endoscopic video system and method using a camera with a single color image sensor, for example a CCD color image sensor, for fluorescence and color imaging and for simultaneously displaying the images acquired in these imaging modes at video rates in real time is disclosed. The tissue under investigation is illuminated continuously with fluorescence excitation light and is further illuminated periodically using visible light outside of the fluorescence excitation wavelength range. The illumination sources may be conventional lamps using filters and shutters, or may include light-emitting diodes mounted at the distal tip of the endoscope.

Abstract: Endoscopes and wands, useful for near infrared imaging, particularly for medical purposes, have transmitting members that transmit between about 95% and 99.9% of the energy at a wavelength within the infrared spectrum. The wands and endoscopes have at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the visible spectrum and at least one channel for transmitting and receiving light in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A scanning endoscope apparatus includes: a light source; first and second polarization sections; third and fourth polarization sections; a first wavelength separation section; a second wavelength separation section; a first detection section; and a second detection section.

Abstract: An endoscopic device of the present invention comprises: an endoscope having an image pickup unit that outputs a picked up an image of a subject as an image pickup signal; an image pickup signal amplification unit; a light source unit; a light intensity control unit that controls an amount of light; a spectral unit that penetrates light in a band based on predetermined characteristics; a brightness control unit that controls a brightness of an image displayed on a display unit; and a mode switching unit that switches a first mode for emitting first illumination light and a second mode for emitting second illumination light having a band narrower than the first illumination light, wherein the brightness control unit controls the light intensity control unit and then controls the image pickup signal amplification unit in the second mode.

Abstract: An observation optical system has a negative lens unit placed at the most object-side position; an annular prism placed on the image side of the negative lens, having a reflecting surface on the negative lens side; and an imaging lens unit arranged on the image side of the negative lens and the annular prism.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope system includes a contact detector that detects contact with an inner wall of a lumen in the subject; a magnet which is equipped in the capsule endoscope; a magnetic field generating device that is provided at a position, which is fixed with respect to the magnet, and generates a guidance magnetic field to apply to the magnet from the outside of the subject; and a magnetic field generation controller that performs control for guidance in a direction in which the capsule endoscope moves, which is the direction of the axis of the lumen, and performs guidance control for separating the capsule endoscope from the inner wall of the lumen based on a result of detection by the contact detector.

Abstract: A capsule guidance system includes a capsule including an imaging unit that captures an in-vivo image, a transmitting unit that transmits the image, and a magnetic field response unit; a magnetic field generation unit that generates a magnetic field; a receiving unit that receives the image; a display unit that displays the image; an operation input unit that inputs operation information for magnetically guiding the capsule; a control unit that controls the magnetic field generation unit to guide the capsule in accordance with the operation information; and a selection unit that selects at least two of a liquid surface, a submerged area, and a liquid bottom that is a lower boundary surface between the liquid and the outside as guidance areas into which the capsule medical device is guided. The control unit switches the magnetic field to be generated in accordance with the selected guidance area.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided capable of performing excellent observation for a long time by preventing decrease in light amount and generation of image noise caused by heat generated by an LED illumination even in a case where a distal-end adapter configured of the LED illumination is arranged at the distal end portion of the insertion unit. One end portion of a heat-radiating member configured of a plurality of elongated wires is arranged in the vicinity of a light emitting device, on the other hand, the other end portion of the heat-radiating member is arranged at a predetermined position on a proximal end side of an insertion unit, and a binding member for binding the wires of the heat-radiating member is provided on a side in the vicinity of the light emitting device of the heat-radiating member.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a first rotational filter section that can place a blue filter, a green filter and a magenta filter in a light path, a second rotational filter section that can place a yellow filter in the light path and a band selection filter section that can place an NBI filter that limits blue and green light to a narrow band, wherein the first and the second rotational filter sections are controllable so that in the case of normal light imaging, the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the magenta filter is placed in the light path and in the case of narrow band imaging, the NBI filter is placed in the light path LP and the yellow filter is placed in the light path when the green filter is placed in the light path.

Abstract: A first fiber stub incorporating a first GI fiber is connected to a first optical fiber by a PC connection. The first GI fiber expands a beam diameter of light transmitted by the first optical fiber and collimates this light. A second fiber stub is connected to a second optical fiber by the PC connection. The second fiber stub, facing the first fiber stub across a predetermined gap G therebetween, converges the light transmitted from the first fiber stub using a second GI fiber incorporated therein. The second fiber stub transmits the converged light to the second optical fiber. When the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is damaged, the first fiber stub or the second fiber stub is pulled out from a first sleeve or a second sleeve, respectively for replacement.

Abstract: A portable magnifying instrument useful for colposcopy is provided which may include in combination an optical system capable of providing a distortion free clear continuously varying 10× to 15× magnification of a three-dimensional wide object; an integrated energy efficient, low powered and intensity controlled illumination system; a power pack and mounting. The optical system may have an eyepiece lens system and an objective lens system. The illumination system may have a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) connected to the power pack; mounted in such a manner that the angle between the LEDs is maintained with respect to the optical axis of the lens system and that the light beam from the said LEDs impinges on the wide object to be observed at the focus of the said lens system.

Abstract: The present invention is a portable camera and lighting unit for standalone use in videography to create a high-resolution well-illuminated video feed from a vast array of camera angles and positions, the illumination source always inherently tracking with the camera. The unit may also be used as a satellite in combination with a primary video conferencing and production station (VVPR) for multi-camera production and teleconferencing capabilities. The portable camera and lighting unit includes a portable base, a mast extending upward from the base, and an articulating boom that is fully-pivotable and extendable. A remote control Pan-Tilt-Zoom camera is mounted at the end of the boom for overhead images of healthcare procedures, and an adjustable beam light source is mounted directly on the camera for lighting.

Abstract: A video endoscope has an endoscope part having a central image signal conductor, at least one optical waveguide, and a light supplying part which can be coupled to a proximal end of said endoscope part. The light supplying part has a central image signal conductor connection at a distal end thereof, and a light supply arranged coaxially around said central image signal conductor connection. The light supply has a plurality of light-emitting elements, each of said light-emitting elements can be supplied by means of a switchable semiconductor light source. Position sensors are arranged in an area of said light-emitting elements, and position indicators are arranged in an area of said optical waveguide. A position of said position indicators can be detected by said position sensors when said endoscope part and said light supplying part are coupled. Based on a detection of said position indicator, at least those light-emitting elements lying opposite to said optical waveguide are activated.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device can include a nasal prong and an activation member. The nasal prong can comprises an opening at a top and bottom portion of the prong to allow for the passage of an aerosolized treatment agent through the nasal prong. The activation member can be positioned on the nasal delivery device at a location that is spaced apart from the subject's oral cavity when the nasal prong is received into the nostril of the subject. The activation member can be configured to detect a desired exhalation state of the subject and upon detection of the desired exhalation state, the activation member activates the delivery of the aerosolized treatment agent.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: a first illumination optical system which emits illuminating light in a first linear polarization direction to an object from a distal end face of an insertion portion; and a first objective optical system which allows return light from the object to enter through an objective window provided in the distal end face; wherein the first illumination optical system and the first objective optical system are placed in a positional relationship such that on the distal end face, a line segment connecting an optical axis of the first illumination optical system and an optical axis of the first objective optical system is parallel or perpendicular to a polarization direction which results when the illuminating light emitted from the first illumination optical system is projected to the distal end face, and no polarizing element is provided between the object and the objective window.

Abstract: A portable medical diagnostic instrument includes an instrument head and a handle portion having an open-ended receiving cavity. A compact illuminator defined by a housing retaining a miniature light source and a power supply is releasably fitted within the open-ended receiving cavity of the handle portion wherein the light source of the illuminator is optically coupled with the instrument on assembly therewith. The handle portion can be integral with the instrument or releasably attached. The handle portion according to at least one version is made from a plastic or other suitable material, permitting disposability and/or single patient use. In one version, the handle portion is flexibly deformable, at least partially, to facilitate release of the portable illuminator.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a lighting system for illuminating a target area, the system comprising a light source and associated power controller, the system being configured to move from a first illumination mode to a second illumination mode based on a sensed or determined changed condition, such as predetermined temperature and/or change in a scene or brightness signal, or lack of change, from an image sensor that may be associated with the instrument.

Abstract: An endoscopic system with at least one light source for generating at least partially coherent light, for exciting fluorescent light, with at least one light-conducting element, where the at least one light source and the at least one light-conducting element are positioned in a proximal supply unit. It is further provided with an optical radiance transmission link in an insertion part and with at least one fluorescence converter for conversion into white light. According to the invention, at least one actuator is present, which is coupled with at least one light-conducting element and/or with the at least one light source and/or with the at least one fluorescence converter. With the help of the actuator, perturbations or fluctuations concerning the at least one light-conducting element and/or the at least one light source and/or the at least one fluorescence converter are generated and thereby reduce the speckles in the endoscopic image.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an optical adapter provided with a discrimination capacitor; and an endoscope configured to be detachably provided with the optical adapter at a distal end portion of the endoscope, and configured to include a reference capacitor which is arranged to be connected in series to the discrimination capacitor in a state where the optical adapter is mounted, a DC power supply which is connected in series to the reference capacitor, and a control circuit which calculates a capacitance of the discrimination capacitor on the basis of a voltage value at a connection point between the discrimination capacitor and the reference capacitor, so as to discriminate the kind of the optical adapter.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a light outlet surface at the distal end of the endoscope and a controllable light-diffracting device for controllable diffraction of illuminating light by a shapeable phase interface between two fluids, such that the controllable light-diffracting device is disposed at the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A protective sheath adapted to cover an elongate medical probe. The sheath includes an elongate sheath adapted to receive an insertion tube of a medical probe and isolate the insertion tube from body tissue and at least one light generating element mounted on the sheath.

Abstract: An endoscope system and an endoscope includes a patterned light providing unit to provide patterned light having a pattern corresponding to a feature point; first and second capturing units to capture an object onto which the patterned light is irradiated; and a light transmitting unit to transmit the patterned light to the object and transmit light reflected by the object to the first and second capturing units.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for video rate or near video rate quantitative imaging of tissue physiological and morphological properties from visible/NIR light spectral images obtain rapid multi-spectral reflectance images by illuminating with a series of spectra containing multiple narrow wavelength bands. An iterative light-transport based inversion algorithm may be applied for correcting the intensity of the spectral images from the geometry/coupling effect as well as from the scattering amplitude distortions. The method can produce video rate absorption as well as scattering spectral images that can be further analyzed very rapidly, using matrix-based rapid inversion algorithms to produce more detailed quantitative images containing information relevant to tissue physiology and morphology.

Abstract: An illumination device for use in an endoscope includes a light source, an optical fiber and a wavelength conversion member. The optical fiber guides light to a tip end of an endoscope insertion portion of the endoscope. The wavelength conversion member is provided at an emission end of the optical fiber. The wavelength conversion member configured to be excited by the light source. The illumination device can provide white illumination light obtained by mixing light emitted from the optical fiber and light obtained by exciting the wavelength conversion member by the light emitted from the optical fiber. Also, the illumination device can provide illumination light being different from the white illumination light, by using other excitation light.

Abstract: An illumination unit includes a distal end frame member having a through opening, a plurality of illumination sections, and a holding member which is arranged in the through opening and holds the illumination sections to incline the illumination sections at a desired angle with respect an opening surface of the through opening and to form a cascade along the axial direction of the through opening. The illumination unit includes a reflective member which is configured to reflect the illumination light emitted from the illumination sections toward the opening surface, the reflective member being held by the holding member to face the illumination sections and to apply the illumination light externally emitted from the illumination sections from the inside of the through opening via the opening surface.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a first light source for emitting first light which is inputted to alight guide section that guides light to an examination area and projects the light onto the examination area and a second light source for emitting second light which is inputted to the light guide in which exit angles of the first and second light are changed simultaneously by an exit angle changing section, the first and second light being guided by the light guide section and projected onto the examination area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a small diameter endoscope in which a handle is removably attached to a probe. The probe includes a fiber optic illumination channel that is concentric about an imaging channel. The handle includes an imaging device that detects light from the imaging channel and a sterile barrier that can be extended over the handle for use. Relay optics couples the small diameter imaging channel to the imaging device in the handle. The probe has a mounting hub that connects the probe to the handle and also serves to optically couple the fiber optic illumination channel to a light source.

Abstract: An endoscope device including an insertion part including an observation optical system and a measuring optical system, wherein the endoscope device is provided with a characteristic value comparing circuit which compares previous characteristic values and current characteristic values to identify previous characteristic values corresponding to the current characteristic values, and when storing the current characteristic values, current characteristic values corresponding to the previous characteristic values, identified by the characteristic value comparing circuit, are stored in a storage circuit together with various information. According to the invention, for inspecting turbine blades of jet engines, automation (labor-saving) of the inspection process by reducing the number of the inspection steps is realized and the difficulty in the inspection of analysis areas is eliminated.

Abstract: A fluorescence distribution image of each fluorescent agent can be acquired from a fluorescence image that has been captured in a mixed state so as to improve the diagnosability of cancer cells.

Abstract: A switching filter is provided in a light source device. The switching filter has a first dichroic filter which transmits illumination light in a first wavelength band from a lamp and a fluorescence observation filter which transmits at least illumination light in a second wavelength band and is rotatably provided such that the first dichroic filter and the fluorescence observation filter pass through an illumination light optical axis. An LED portion has a blue LED which emits illumination light in the first wavelength band toward the switching filter. A second dichroic filter capable of transmitting illumination light from the lamp and reflecting illumination light from the LED portion to a condenser lens is also arranged at the switching filter.

Abstract: An image of a tissue site including a blood vessel is captured while broadband light and narrow band light are emitted to a body cavity. Thereby, broadband image data corresponding to the broadband light and narrow band image data corresponding to the narrow band light are obtained. Picture elements in the same positions are identified between the broadband image and the narrow band image to obtain a brightness ratio LM therebetween. Based on depth correlation information between the brightness ratio and blood vessel depth, a blood vessel depth D corresponding to the brightness ratio is obtained to determine whether each picture element includes a blood vessel and whether the blood vessel depth D is at the surface. Based on the determination, a surface blood vessel region is extracted. A broadband image having the surface blood vessel region with the reduced contrast is generated.

Abstract: An endoscope includes: an insertion portion to be inserted into a subject; an operation section provided at a proximal end of the insertion portion; a first light source section provided inside the operation section, the first light source section generating first light as broadband light having a broadband wavelength characteristic; a light guiding section that guides the first light emitted from the first light source section; a second light source section provided on a distal end side of the insertion portion, the second light source section generating second light; and an optical element provided on the distal end side of the insertion portion, the optical element combining the first light and the second light and emitting the resulting light from an illuminating window.

Abstract: A light source apparatus capable of controlling a quantity of light in a stable manner and an endoscope apparatus including the light source apparatus are provided. The light source apparatus includes a light source and a light quantity adjusting portion for limiting the light flux from the light source using an aperture blade. The light quantity adjusting portion includes the aperture blade which is driven to rotate in a vertical plane about a pivot and has a center of gravity which is decentered from the pivot, a position detecting portion for detecting a position of the aperture blade, a driving portion, and a light source controlling portion for controlling the driving portion. The light source controlling portion controls the driving portion based on the position of the aperture blade and a rotation direction.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention include minimally invasive tissue modification systems. Embodiments of the systems include a minimally invasive access device having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal passageway. Also part of the system is an elongated tissue modification device having a proximal end and a distal end. The tissue modification device is dimensioned to be slidably moved through the internal passageway of the access device. The tissue modification device includes a tissue modifier. Positioned among the distal ends of the devices are a visualization element and an illumination element. Also provided are methods of using the systems in tissue modification applications, as well as kits for practicing the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Medical devices, systems and methods that are useable to facilitate transnasal insertion and positioning of guidewires and various other devices and instruments at desired locations within the ear, nose, throat, paranasal sinuses or cranium. Direct viewing of such placements via an endoscope.